| Qwest offers multiple modem/router options to people
signing up for DSL.
The original hardware setup includes:
- Cisco 675/678 external DSL router/modem
- 3Com Ethernet card (for Windows users)
- Power cords
- Cables and connectors
The new hardware setup includes:
- Intel 2100 internal DSL router/modem
- Cables and connectors
The following is a comparison of what the differences and limitations
are:
| Feature | Cisco
675/678
(External) | Intel 2100
(Internal) |
|---|
| Price | $295 | $145 (currently $99) |
| Possible Use |
Single user
Multiple user
Single PC
Multiple PC
Local
Area Network | Single PC only |
| Notebook
Support | Yes | No |
| 486 Support | Yes | No |
| Macintosh | Yes | No |
| Unix/Linux | Yes | No |
| Power source | External--plugs into
wall outlet | Powered by PC |
| Connection Type | Constant
As long
as the 675/678 is on, the connection is active | Modem-like
By
default you need to tell the 2100 to connect |
Basically, the internal Intel 2100 accomplishes the same things as the external Cisco 675.
However, since it's internal there are some special
features/limitations:
- The Intel 2100 acts as a network card, so you do not need to
install one
- The software required for the Intel 2100 only works in Windows
95/98 and
Windows NT 4.0. If you have any other operating system, then the
2100
will not work.
- The 2100 requires a PCI slot. If you do not have a PCI slot
available, then the 2100 cannot be installed.
- Since it is a PCI card for PC's, the 2100 will not work with
laptop copmputers.
- Since the 2100 can only be installed in one computer, the DSL
connection
will only be available to the computer the 2100 is installed
in.
- The 675 offers a connection that is always active, like a network
(i.e. open up Netscape and start pulling up pages). By default
the 2100
needs to be told to connect, like a modem (i.e. tell the 2100 to
connect
and once it's connected, then open Netscape).
Given the above, you will need to go with the external Cisco 675 in the
following circumstances:
- if you are using a Macintosh
- if you are not running Windows 95/98/NT4
- if you want to use DSL on a laptop
- if you want to use the DSL connection on multiple computers
- if you want to share the DSL connection between multiple
computers
|
